Sign up for the meadowlakeNOW newsletter

2018 Volunteer Award recipient inspired by former mentor

Mar 22, 2018 | 12:00 PM

Giving back to the community was something Alicia Lehoux learned a young age from a now departed friend, educator, former city councillor and Community Builder Award recipient Elaine Yaychuk.

Lehoux said she felt beyond thankful and humbled by winning this year’s Volunteer Award at the Meadow Lake Business Excellence awards gala on Wednesday, March 21.

Lehoux said the ever-humble and tireless Yaychuk took her under her wing when she was a teenager, and the woman’s encouragement had a long-lasting impact.

“She was such a special lady,” Lehoux said. “I know that she affected so many peoples’ lives, and so much got done in the community because of her. She took a liking to me, and made me tow the line, and that’s how all my volunteer work started. I think if she was here today, she would get a chuckle about [me winning].”

Lehoux, who is the executive director at Meadow Lake’s Positively Parenting, is a volunteer with Northwest Victim Services, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), People Advocating for Children With Exceptionalities (PACE), and most recently the Red Cross and Meadow Lake’s Emergency Measures Organization. She said all of the causes are near and dear to her heart for different reasons.

“It’s so easy to be involved with PACE, because of all the wonderful families. I help with things like the PACE Race, to education grant applications, the Friend Blend Mentorship program. I also do a lot of work with victim services and attend court.”

Lehoux said volunteerism is a family activity in her household, as her husband and two daughters are also both active in various endeavours.

“If you want to live in a great community, then you contribute to the community,” she said. “We try to balance family life with work life and some volunteer time, because it’s so important to give back if you’re able to.”

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca  

On Twitter @ReporterKath